Become a Volunteer

Purpose
The mission of the CASA volunteer is to monitor and follow a child’s case through the juvenile court system; to provide an independent voice from the community who speaks up for the best interests of their assigned child; to help ensure that the child is in a secure, secure, supportive, permanent home.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Have a current Kansas driver’s license and be properly insured.
• Complete a written application, sign consents for a KBI security clearance and a DCF Central Registry clearance.  Provide three references other than relatives.
• Pass screening eligibility according to Supreme Court Rule #110:
  • reference check
  • national security clearance, including fingerprinting
  • DCF Central Child Abuse Registry clearance
  • screening interview
• Participate in at least 30 hours of a 35-hour training.  Must review information from missed training sessions with trainer prior to case assignment.
• Observe court sessions for a minimum of 2 hours.
• Indicate ability to be objective, to function professionally, and to act out of concern for the welfare of the child as the primary motivation.
• Will not discriminate or display attitudes of a discriminatory nature.
• Respect the right to privacy by keeping confidential any information that would identify parties involved in CASA cases.  Must abide by the program’s policy of  confidentiality.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Will be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least 1 year.
• Agree to follow the policies and procedures of CASA of Cowley County relating to volunteers.

Duties

• Advocate at all times for the best interests of the child.
• Take Oath of Confidentiality.
• Sign Statement of Commitment and take Oath of Appointment as soon as possible after accepting a case.
• Read court social and legal files pertaining to case. Read other available records and files pertaining to case.
• Interview DCF and/or their contracting foster care agency workers, parents, foster parents, court services officer, child, and other interested parties.
• Explain the CASA role to all parties unfamiliar with the CASA program.
• Maintain regular contact with the child a minimum of 2 times per month.
• When appropriate, encourage family to work toward the goals of the Case Plan, and/or orders set forth by the court.
• Contact the DCF social worker and/or social workers of contracting agencies and the court services officer, if applicable, at least once a month.
• Attend all court hearings and scheduled case planning conferences pertaining to the child.
• Encourage permanency planning.
• Monitor whether court’s orders are being followed.
• Keep accurate and complete documentation of all contacts and interviews.
• Consult with the CASA Director at least once per month; submit monthly Volunteer Activities Form to CASA office by the 10th day of the following month.
• Attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education in-service per year.
• After consulting with the CASA Director, write a Report to the Court at least 5 days in advance of the hearing. The CASA Director will submit the report to the court and the other interested parties.
• Consult with the CASA Director regarding problems, concerns, or questions that arise during the case.
• Immediately report to DCF and the CASA Director any suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Remain actively involved in the case until a permanent solution has been reached or the court dismisses the case.

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Apply to be a Volunteer:
https://forms.gle/sHYxcS3tgz2p7Z3j8